Detective vs. Officer — What's the Difference?

A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases.

An officer is a person who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization.

A person, usually a member of a police force, who investigates crimes and obtains evidence or information.

One who holds an office of authority or trust in an organization, such as a corporation or government.

Of or relating to detectives or their work

One who holds a commission in the armed forces.

Suited for or used in detection.

A noncommisioned officer or warrant officer.

(law enforcement) A police officer who looks for evidence as part of solving a crime; an investigator.

A person licensed in the merchant marine as master, mate, chief engineer, or assistant engineer.

A person employed to find information not otherwise available to the public.

A police officer.

Employed in detecting.

To furnish with officers.

Fitted for, or skilled in, detecting; employed in detecting crime or criminals; as, a detective officer.

To command or manage as an officer.

One who business it is so detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy.

One who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization, especially in military, police or government organizations.

A police officer who investigates crimes

A respectful term of address for an officer, especially a police officer.

An investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public

One who holds a public office.

An agent or servant imparted with the ability, to some degree, to act on initiative.

A commissioned officer.

(transitive) To supply with officers.

(transitive) To command like an officer.

One who holds an office; a person lawfully invested with an office, whether civil, military, or ecclesiastical; as, a church officer; a police officer; a staff officer.

Specifically, a commissioned officer, in distinction from a warrant officer or an enlisted man.

To furnish with officers; to appoint officers over.

To command as an officer; as, veterans from old regiments officered the recruits.

Any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command;

Someone who is appointed or elected to an office and who holds a position of trust;

A member of a police force;

A person authorized to serve in a position of authority on a vessel;

Direct or command as an officer